The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1887-05-18

! other2 Ihave felt for some time that you
did not love me-that our engagement
was becoming irksome to you; but
deemed it best, for the sake Of your
example to these girls over whom you
have so deep an influence that you
should not break it until 1 had left
Bradford
d" Charles, she cried, putting out her
hand, please sit down by me. like you
so, as-as a friend, I Have you read so
much of my mindl Believe me, 1 have
tried to feel as l ought
GLOW ought you to feel, Loup said
the professor, with smile just curling
his lips.
"I know 1 ought to love you better
than all the world beside; that ought to
watch and wait and long for your COM
ing, to remember and dream over your
every word, TOTO love you
'Instead of which said the pro-
fessor, coolly.
4 care no more for you than do for
that skeletonp Lou burst out, in desper-
alton. She pointed straight to my eyes,
which were leveled at them from below
madame's right elbow joint, for had be-
gun to get tired and lop little. you
may as well know it all, she went on;
the fact that we are tied together by the
approval of the older teachers and the
directors, who think it most appropriate
arrangement, has made me almost hate
you at times. But it is not Professor
Charles, as a friend, dislike; it is as a
lover
"The professor had blushed clear to his
eyes at Louis harsh remarks, but, COM
pressing his lips as he does when curbing
his temper (for believe he has bit of
his own, he said, still in the same quiet
tone: you used not to feel so strongly
against me as a lover, Lou. Have Ibeen'
obnoxious in any way, or has your fancy
changedp
eff you will believe it, Lou commenced
to cry. Professor Charles sat down close
by her side, and taking her hands from her
eyes, dried her tears with his own hand
kerchief, and said: Lou, l do not mean
to be harsh with you, although you have
been somewhat emphatic withme. Listen.
am fully content to be your friend
your brother. But am sure you have
difficulties before you greater than the
discarding of an uncongenial lover. Is
there not one who has taught you to
know so well what love isl ! knew you
never ielt it for me, but thought we might
be happy in mutual esteem, and that re-
spect might grow into tenderer feeling;
but | see the fallacy of that now. Is there
one for whom you really care2 If so,
gladly release you; but do not ask from
mere curiosity. You will need my
friendly offices to curb the expressions of
displeasure that will assail you; you will
meet strong opposition from all your
friends who are kind enough to like me.
Is it"
"He whispered a name in her ear. Lou
blushed crimson, bending down her head
for an instant: then raising her eyes, she
looked proudly at him. Yes; it is
George Lee; the grocer man! He is not
handsome not distinguished-plain of
speech and devoted to business. The
very antipodes of professor of ancient
and modern literature and language
He cannot read word of Greek, frets
not his soul with evolution or questions
in theology, but love him! You and
l have literary taste and artistic ambi-
tion in common-but l love him. You
are handsome, cultured, the beau ideal
of all my friends and associates Of
husband for me; he is joyous, hopeful
generous, devoted to me, and l love
him.
Chow her eyes shone as she spoke !
Professor Charles regarded her with a
quiZZical expression, and added, as she
paused: And Lou, the fact that he has
made a small fortune in his wholesale
store, on account of which you call him a
grocer, and that he owns a coZy home
and drives a pretty turnout, does not
hurt him bit, and may in time stand off
with your friends against my distin-
guished appearance and supposable cult
ure. Professor Charles actually laughed
Lou seemed surprised at him, as am sure
| was. You know l have received the
appointment to Harvard l was so
desirous of, he continued: and-Lou,
! | believe | ought to make a confession to
you. | should never have allowed the
thought to come into being but for your
, refusal of me for a husband. l am begin
ming to feel a stronger affection for Il
young girl than my engagement to you
would have in honor permitted. 1t is no
m )re than fair to tell you this, Lou but
it is so unlikely that shall ever win the
heart of capriciOus girl when a reason
able woman sees nothing in me to love-
2 Lou started to interrupt him. but he put
his fingers lightly upon her lips and shook
his head that shall reserve her name
&" Charles" exclaimed Lou, jumping
up, let me kiss you! l was never so
near loving you as at this moment! You
are just as bad as l. We will defend
each other in mutual untruth as lovers
/ and be always faithful as friends.
2 " We shall keep each others conf
: dence, Lou he said, as they arose
+ and you must go to rest. Goodnight.
"The instant it was safe, you may be-
! lieve, came out OF the horrible closet,
I and staggered to your door, Honestly,
| was never so tired in my life But,
said Ben, looking around the room upon
} her earnest listeners, "who do you sup
pose it isl hope it is not me, for, much
; as admire the professor, really couldn't
r reciprocate his feeling, and it would be
] awful to have him Tilted again. But
G Florence, dear, what is the natter"
] Florence Healey arose, very pale, and
/ WAS hastily making her WaV ont Of the